Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II has issued a message on the occasion of Republic Day. The message reads as follows, in particular:

"This year we mark Republic Day in a difficult and dire situation for our country, and again reflect on the memories of the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia.

Although the First Republic did not last long, it became a visible guarantor of an independent statehood, with the inspiration of which the further victories of the revival of our people were crafted.

Today, too, we are concerned about the problems facing our native country, the continuous encroachments on our borders, on the safe and secure life of our people. However, we believe that with the victorious spirit of the May heroic battles, our people, with the help of God, shall find the strength to overcome this ordeal as well, and to betake—through joint efforts—to strengthening our homeland, fortifying the statehood, and crafting the bright Armenian future.